Keys to optimising workforce resources across the enterprise

Abstract

Purpose

Optimising workforce resources has become increasingly complex, particularly for large enterprises and those operating in multiple locations or countries. To be successful, human resource (HR) and the organisation’s line managers need to be strategic and nimble – able to quickly and decisively respond to any number of complex factors at a moment’s notice. These factors include internal considerations, such as employee qualifications and availability, as well as external dynamics, such as supply chain changes and expanding labour compliance regulations. Failure to respond quickly can prevent organisations from being able to reach optimal productivity and performance goals.

Design/methodology/approach

Organisations seeking to achieve complete visibility should look first to the three pillars of an effective workforce management strategy – demand, utilisation and measurement – to better understand how they can be optimised to increase agility, improve customer service and reduce labour costs.

Findings

Organisations that incorporate all three of these pillars – demand, utilisation and measurement – into their ongoing workforce management strategy will see the greatest impact in terms of increasing productivity and efficiency, as well as identifying new best practices that can be applied across the enterprise. Investing in solutions and practices that support workforce optimisation can also deliver greater agility, improved customer service and lower total costs.

Originality/value

The ability to manage change effectively, whether it stems from external or internal factors, is critical to creating a sustainable, resilient organisation. Particularly because your workforce is likely the greatest asset and contributor to your overall success, equipping HR and managers with the right tools and data to increase effectiveness is essential to helping your organisation meet customer expectations, respond to change quickly and effectively and drive measurable gains in business performance.

Citation

Sambartolo, M. (2015), "Keys to optimising workforce resources across the enterprise", Strategic HR Review, Vol. 14 No. 5, pp. 168-173. https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-08-2015-0062